Keratin 23 (KRT23)

The KRT23 cDNA expresses a 1.65-kb mRNA encoding a deduced 422-amino acid protein that shares 42 to 46% sequence identity with other type I keratins within the alpha-helical rod domain. Trichostatin A, a potent and specific inhibitor of histone deacetylase, similarly induced KRT23 mRNA expression. Treatment with either actinomycin D or cycloheximide efficiently blocked the induction of KRT23 mRNA by either sodium butyrate or trichostatin A. The results suggested that KRT23 is a novel member of the acidic keratin family that is induced in pancreatic cancer cells undergoing differentiation by a mechanism involving histone hyperacetylation. The authors also showed that expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 (CDKN1A) is necessary for efficient induction of KRT23 mRNA bu histone deacetylase inhibitors.